Located in Thorpe St in Maylands, this small group of seven apartments required a unique design solution to suit the area’s creative, young professional demographic. Rather than the traditional apartment complex format ubiquitous to the older areas of Maylands, this low-rise development would need to focus on lifestyle appeal rather than density.

We approached the design much the way we would a row of townhouses. Each apartment would feel independent and self-contained, opening up to individual north-facing balconies and courtyards – the birth of the ‘apartment-house’ concept. Careful configuration and placement of each apartment gives them each a sense of autonomy – stairways service only two units, and ground floor units have private access from street level – while still allowing occupants to enjoy the benefits of common underground parking and storage facilities.

The materials we chose are tried and tested for multi-residential developments. Textured brickwork contrasts with crisply rendered surfaces for a clean aesthetic which is grounded in the mid-century housing style common to the area. Sliding louvre screens on the balconies offer shade and privacy for residents, as well as creating a dynamic façade which takes on new configurations depending on occupancy and the time of day. Inside, the apartments are generously proportioned, with higher than usual ceilings and large sliding doors to maximise living space. As with all our projects, we chose quality European fittings, fixtures and finishes. Stainless steel appliances and German-engineered kitchen, laundry and vanity spaces, all with Caesarstone benchtops, make these apartments not only low-maintenance, but a sound investment.